I’ve been having a fabulous time in Morocco and enjoying some good times with Surfer Ty. It’s been a glorious few days here. I should try to find a way to do it more often! The sun is bright and shining, the Souqs are full of vivid colors and tastes and the people are just amazing!
I’ve also spent some time by the pool and actually just finished reading Melissa McClone‘s Kiss Me, Cowboy. I’m such a fan of Melissa’s. Not only is she a wonderfully talented author but she’s also a warm, wonderful person to know and this week, she’s a guest on my blog! Here’s Melissa McClone to share her thoughts on being a cowgirl!
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Thanks for having me on the blog today, Jane! My dad grew up on a sheep ranch in Colorado and a couple cousins competed in rodeos so writing Kiss Me, Cowboy brought back many memories, including more recent ones of watching rodeo events at our county fair!
It’s been a long time since I’d been on horseback other than trail rides on vacation, so I decided to do a little hands-on research at a working cattle ranch in southeastern Oregon. I spent three nights up at their cow camp where the herd grazes during the summer months.
My favorite part of being a cowgirl—next to wearing my first pair of Ariat cowboy boots—was herding cattle. I rode a horse named Lil’ Britches. Out in the canyon on horseback, the breeze rustling through the quaking Aspen, I could easily imagine my wranglers from Kiss Me, Cowboy, Charlie (Charlotte) Randall on her horse Sierra and Zack Harris on Blackbeard, riding with me!
Our cattle herding experience was actually a surprise. We’d headed out to drop off mineral (i.e. 50 pound salt blocks) to the herd, but on our way down the canyon to where they pastured, we started picking up small groups until we had a herd that had to be pushed along. (We later discovered a hole in the fencing that they were using to get back into this part of the ranch.) The cattle didn’t want to move, so they kept looking back to see if you were still there!
We would break off into pairs (i.e. teams) to keep cattle from wandering off, and more than once, one or more of us had to ride into the trees to keep a mama cow and her calf from crossing the creek and setting off yet another chase. I saw how a cowboy’s chores led to rodeo events.
A cowboy’s work is hard and dangerous. I learned a lot, but next time I’m heading to a dude ranch like the Bar V5 that I write about in my Montana Born Books, a guest ranch with mouthwatering gourmet food and spa services. Not to mention hot wranglers named Zack, Ty, Dustin and Eli!
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Thanks so much for sharing with us, Melissa! I think I’ll tag along with you to that dude ranch next time. 🙂
Readers, do download a copy of Kiss Me, Cowboy if you didn’t already. You’re going to love it! And to help Melissa celebrate her new release, here’s a special prize just for you! For a chance to win, leave a comment to welcome Melissa to my blog, tell me if you’ve ever been to a cattle ranch or just tell us about your week! Winner will be announced on Friday.
Nice to “see” you here, Melissa! Caught you in a couple of other places and am glad you’re “here” with Jane too!
Never been to a cattle ranch, per se. I’ve been to farms with a few cattle, but that’s it.
My week? Freakin’ awesome. I lost another pound!
Hi Laney! Good to see you here, too! Congrats on losing a pound! That is cause for celebration! I just started eating healthy (i.e. my term for diet) yesterday. So far so good! Good luck with the continued weight loss!
Welcome, Melissa. I’ve never been to a cattle ranch.
Janiec,
I’ve been on other types of ranches, but this was my first cattle ranch. The whole area was full of them, big corporate ones to little mom and pop acreage! Pretty cool!
Welcome! I’ve been to a cattle ranches in MI & CO
Hi Melanie J! I always think of cattle ranches in the west and I saw at least on when I was in CO last week driving, but not Michigan! Must expand my thinking!
I wouldn’t call them ranches, but there are a lot of farmers around here that have lots of cows. We call them farms. 🙂
Melissa I have enjoyed your writing from way back. i seem to remember a mermaid series you did years ago that I liked. I have always liked fairy tales and magical stories.
Hi Gigi! I’ve wondered what differentiates a ranch from a farm! The mermaid book was In Deep Waters… I loved that book. They digitized the entire series a year or two ago. Funny small world story, but Lilian Darcy who writes for Montana Born Books did the fourth book in the Tale of the Sea continuity! Now here were are in Marietta together again 🙂
Welcome, Melissa. I’ve never been to a cattle ranch.
Jessica,
Hi! I really knew nothing about cattle until my trip. I always thought of cattle ranches as smelly due to the dairy farms near us. But with so much land they aren’t at all. You can ride for a while without seeing cattle then suddenly there’s a whole bunch! Kinda neat!
Thank you for sharing your blog with other writers! I love horse back riding and going on a trail ride/cattle drive is on my bucket list. Look
Forward to reading her book! As always thank you for your generosity!
Laurie,
It’s a good thing to have on your bucket list. Just make sure the place you go has a good reputation and safety record. Easy to get hurt out there. Very desolate and isolated, at least where we were! And Jane is the best. She’s so generous with her time, her blog and giveaways. Just love her and writing for Montana Born Books (and Holiday Books, too!)
Welcome to Jane’s blog, Melissa! I follow you on facebook, and here we meet again! 🙂
Hi Kristy!
I recognize your name from doing the giveaways. I like to make sure I read all the entries so I go through them one by one to make my list for the randomizer. You get to know certain names, then see them on the page. Great to find you here, too!
Happy Anniversary Jane to you and Ty!
I enjoyed reading Kiss Me Cowboy and enjoyed hearing about Melissa’s adventures at the ranch. The closest I have ever been to a cattle ranch was on the road outside the fence just looking in. When I would get down, my husband used to drive me by there and we would just sit and watch. It always put me in a better mood. But, he doesn’t do that anymore.
Janine,
Thanks for the kind words about my story! I bet where you live there are lots of ranches! Cool that watching that made you feel better. Wish you could still go see them. Hugs!
There are still a few ranches left. the sad thing is the owners are slowly selling off their land. I noticed a couple weeks ago one more housing development going in where it used to be the farmer’s land for crops.
That seems to be the case all over. Though I wonder how much estate taxes are the cause. Some just can’t afford to keep the land anymore.
It’s a sad truth
Yes I’ve been on a cattle ranch, horse ranch, and even several farms. It’s amazing to watch the work that goes on there. It’s a whole new breed of people. They’re known as cowboys and cowgirls. Also just wanted to say Glad you had a great time on your honeymoon. And as always thanks for the great giveaways. B
Barbara,
Great to see you here, too! Lots of familiar names from Facebook! Sounds like you’ve done lots more than me with ranches! Doesn’t Jane and Ty’s honeymoon look so romantic. In my dreams…
Omg yes. I would give my right arm to be able to go on a trip like they did for their anniversary. But I’m like you, the day that happens is the day my dreams come true. Would be great though. I’m glad to know you have a few books coming out. I’m out of one’s to read, so I’m looking forward to reading yours. Take care Melissa. B
Welcome, Melissa! I am envious. I would love to try out a cattle ranch…As I have grown up, I keep wanting a farm and ranch…
Thanks Kerry! I can’t wait to take the kids to a dude ranch. A friend of mine just recommended one in WA state, where I live so I am going to check it ou.
I really loved the horse part of the ranch visit. My husband keeps talking about having land somewhere (he likes Montana, LOL) but the reality is a lot of work. I know this from my dad’s side of the family. My husband travels much of the time which means the chores would fall to me. I’ll be honest, a few days of this I survived. Not sure I’d want this to be my day in and day out routine. Maybe once the kids are out of the house and I have more time! Now that’s a plan 🙂
Welcome, Melissa! I haven’t been to a cattle ranch, but I have been around cows and horses. I’ve ridden a few times but never really took to it–hard on my knees. I do love looking at cows and horses when I am near them.
Bonnie,
I hear you on the hard on knees. I was limping around Colorado last week and my friend loaned me her knee brace. I’ve learned riding in moderation is fun. More than four hours at a time, not so much 🙂
Welcome Melissa! I’ve never been to a cattle ranch but my first teaching job was in farming country. I read Kiss Me, Cowboy and loved it!! Can’t wait to read more of your books.
Eileen,
Hi! So happy you liked the book. Thanks! Teaching in farming country must have been interesting. I bet those kids had to work hard, especially during harvest time!
Welcome Melissa. I have never been to a cattle ranch. You look good. Your books are a delight.
Thanks, Elaina!
I really loved the horseback riding! Not enough to get one, but I’d love to go again 😉 And thanks for your sweet words about my books! You all are keeping a big smile on my face!
Welcome Melissa! I have never been to a cattle ranch or any ranch for that matter. I have always wanted to though. Love your books. Congrats on the new release!
Thanks so much, Morgan! The smile keeps getting bigger reading these comments.
I would have never called myself a city girl, but after heading to cow camp I’m not quite as country as I thought. I’m used to camping and roughing it so that part wasn’t bad, but it’s just such a different way of life. Things that terrified me (riding up a cliff) didn’t even faze the cow-folks. Guess it’s just what we’re used to!
As a teen I always fantasized about going to a ranch and learning to ride, being around cowboys. I’ve not rode a horse in over 40 years. But the freedom is amazing.
Hi Jennifer,
You’re spot on. The freedom on a horse was amazing. I’d stop to realize how far we’d gone and just shake my head.
And the horses were incredible. Many were part mustang or full, so not that tall, but they were such hard workers. There were trails we rode that I could not have made on foot. Not sure how the horses did it!
A big welcome to you Melissa..have not read any of your books ~ yet. The closest I’ve been to a cattle farm is the local dairy growing up Venice, California. My sister and I would go ‘exploring’ and everyday we’d go watch them milking cows. Many times the men would let us ‘help’ the milking and that was really fun. And, we would also climb the huge haystack and get lost in our thoughts ~ those wonderful childhood memories are always with me along with the simplicity of life in those days.
Hi Ruth!
Thanks for sharing your dairy farm memories. That must have been so much fun! I had no idea there were cows near Venice! I have a freebie out that introduces a couple that makes an appearance in Kiss Me, Cowboy if you want to check out a story and read digital books.
http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Magic-Copper-Mountain-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00GUZ195O
Welcome, Melissa!
And happy anniversary, Jane. It looks like you are having a great time on your trip.
This week I am home alone with my teenage son… we are having a blast (lol – not so much). Who knew that teen boys are moody and uncommunicative? lol
I am heading to the hardware store this morning to get some paint samples. It is time to re-paint my daughter’s room (she’s away at college) and do some rearranging. That will keep me busy the rest of the week!
Hi Melissa!
Thanks for the welcome! Sounds like you are busy!!!!
Hi Melissa, and thanks Jane for this feature article!
I’ve never been to a cattle ranch, there are farmers in my family but they are grain farmers, not quite the same thing! I’ve also never ridden a horse, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try.
Hi Christine Maria Rose. Such a pretty name! Highly recommend trying horseback riding. And you don’t have to go to a ranch to do it! I spent a week on a wheat farm near Palouse WA when I was going into high school. It was a fun though my friend’s grandmother made us work!!!
Nice to see you here Melissa. I have never been on a cattle ranch, the only time I was around any cows was when I was a child we bottle feed a few baby cows to raise up for beef. That was not and easy thing to do. I can’t wait to read your new book. Thanks for sharing it with us today.
Hi Quilt Lady! Thanks! Good to see you here! Feeding calves bottles sounds like so much fun, but I can imagine how much work that is.
Looks amazing. I would love to live and be closer to nature!
Hi Nancy! It was an experience that’s for sure. A step up from camping and the horses did all the work instead of backpacking!
Hi Melissa! Looks like I have found a new book to add to my to read list. 🙂
Hi Jana! Nice to meet you! Thanks so much 🙂
Looks like I’m going to need a lot of alone time!
Hi Camille! Alone time to read sounds about perfect to me!!!
Welcome Melissa!
I’ve never been to a cattle ranch and so far my week has been a whole lot of the same ol’ same ol’.
Thanks Sharon! You all are so friendly here! Not sure when I’ll go back to a ranch, but I’m curious about buying a half a cow for our freezer now 😉
Welcome Melissa. I’ve been reading so much about your books and look forward to reading one. I’ve not been on a cattle ranch, but my uncle had a dairy and I got to watch (and even help a couple of times) bringing in the cows, feeding and milking them. It was really interesting when he switched to the machines to do the milking instead of the old fashion method.
Hey Brenda! Nice to see you here. I bet hand milking took forever! So neat you got to see and help out.
I have never been to a cattle ranch but sounds like an interesting experience
Hi Sue!
It really was interesting. A different way of life compared to my being a swim mom and writer 🙂
Hi Melissa!! I grew up riding horses and still have a love for them. I haven’t ridden lately because I developed an allergy to horses and cattle. I miss it! I’ve never been to a cattle ranch, but grew up with a few cows, horses, pigs goats and chickens.
oh, Brandy! I’m sorry to hear about your allergy. That must have been hard. But glad you enjoyed horses while you could!
My ex and his family had a 30 stall horse barn while we were married. We lived there it wasn’t as romantic as people think. Stressful yes. The horses were beautiful and all but they
Didn’t know they’re own strength. Ended up being stepped on and having the bones in the top of foot broken! I’d do it all over because they were beautiful animals . And it wasn’t they’re fault.
Diana,
Hugs on being injured. But you nailed it. Horses are big and beautiful, but very strong. You can find yourself in a dangerous position before you know it. Not quite as romantic as we make it out to be in our books! Hope your foot healed totally.
I would love to do the dude ranch experience. I have only ever once been on a horse (8 months old being held by my 2nd cousin doesn’t count in my book). The entire experience intrigues me. And I wouldn’t mind seeing my man in a cowboy hat.
Hey Christina! Great to see you here, too!
I can’t remember where you live, but many states, even ones you wouldn’t think, have dude ranches you can go to. My friend took her kids (preschoolers) and they all had a blast! My three want to go too!
Actually, I live in Oregon (Salem). I have a friend who used to work at a horse ranch in Silverton. I just need to save up a bit. Congrats on the book. It was a great read.
Small world, Christina! My parents live in Salem! I’ve lived there twice. Once when we were waiting to move into our first house and 6 months during a remodel of it!
Welcome!!!! Thank you for sharing about a cattle ranch! I’ve been to several, growing up in Texas. I’ve had a busy week, spent bustling around the VA hospital with my mom and Dad. :-/ he’s there with multiple issues, anyway, we had a tiny bit of improvement so that’s a blessing! Hope you have a wonderful afternoon! Look forward to reading more on this blog!
Hi Sara! We should be asking you questions!!!!! Prayers for your father! I hope he’s doing better.
I can’t wait to read it!!
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much 🙂
Welcome Melissa! I haven’t been to a horse ranch in about 15 years, but I recall enjoying the mountains nearby:)
Hello, Ashley! I love the mountains. We rode through a couple canyons. Neat to see all the wildlife.
Never been. But back in the 1960’s, our family visited the Yellowstone area and did a trail ride! Boy, that was exciting for a pre-teen!! It ended with a cookout with a chuck wagon!
Kate,
That must have been so fun! I got so hungry at times I would have loved to have a chuck wagon there to feed us, but had to make do with a granola bar. LOL!
I look forward to reading your book. I’ve been to a Longhorn ranch but never herded. I did run like crazy many times chased by idiot steers that thought it was feeding time when we kids would head through our pasture heading for the fishing pond or down to go creeking.. lol
Oh, Deb. Being chased must have been a little scary. Those things are big!!!! Much better to be on horseback 🙂
Would love to win these fun prizes!
Good luck, Kristin!!!
Welcome Melissa. I’ve never been to a cattle ranch.
Thanks, Jill! A great place to visit!!! Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised since it’s Jane’s place 🙂
I would love the prize and love all your pics
Thanks Misty!
Good luck!
Never been to a large cattle ranch but we have small ones around here, though it’s mainly farming that’s in this area. One place we lived their cows were in the pasture by the road and I swear at least every spring myself or one of my boys would have to help a calf back in through the fence. This always meant for me I had to conquer my fears, since cows kind of intimidate me, but a bawling calf always managed to convince his need was more important than my fear. Calves are kinda cute
Hi Linda! What a great story about helping the calves! Good for you to conquer your fears. That sound they make just tugs at the heartstrings!!! Thanks for posting!
Welcome, Melissa. I haven’t been to a cattle ranch, but not opposed to going.
Hi Bridget! Hope you get a chance to check it out!
I have actually been to a ranch in Montana. Beautiful!
Oh, Susan! I wish I could say the same thing. That’s on my bucket list. I bet it’s amazing!
Look good
Thanks, Lucinda!!!!
Welcome to the blog, Melissa!
Thanks for the welcome, Susan 🙂
Love Melissa 🙂
The only experience I remember with horseback riding was when I was about 16. I hired a horse from a local stable for an hour, I was riding down main street when some idiot popped his head out of one the stores and shouted “Hi Ho Silver” and that horse just galloped off down the street with me on it. Luckily I was able to slow it down 🙂
Hi Sylvia!!!! Oh my goodness. That would have scared me to death. So glad you were able to stop!
Love the photos–totally makes me want to buy a pair of cowgirl boots and hit the tangent 🙂
Tangent??
Oh thank you, auto-correct! :/
LOL! I am so in love with my boots, Sarita!!!!! Boot Barn is the best. They had ones with red in them and that’s my fave color. I wear them around the house, just because.
I would love to visit a cattle ranch one day 🙂
Hi Jennifer! I hope you get the chance!
Great interview.
Thanks, Rebecca! Great to be here!
I’ve been to dairy farms. I’ve driven past cattle ranches.
Loved this story.
Hi Denise! Thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
Hi Melissa!!! Welcome :throws glitter in the air: I have never been to a cattle ranch! i am your typical city girl from Brooklyn NY but i would love to visit one one day!
Hi Crystal! I love glitter. Thanks so much for the sparkly welcome! I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge in 2011, hopped on the bus and got ice cream near the water. So yummy!
I haven’t been to a cattle/dude ranch. It’s on our bucket list & dream vaca list. My hubby & I did some price checking, & it’s just too costly. We have 3 kids, 2 of them are adults, & we still hope we can all go one day. 🙂
Hi Maria! My kids want to go, too, so I’ve been looking at the weeks when it’s a little cheaper. I’ve also found that prices vary a lot. At least in Washington where I live! Hope you make it to one soon!
Thank you! I’m not giving up! I’ll keep checking prices & looking for more places.
Hey, Melissa. I follow you on FB so I’m familiar with your work. Never been to a cattle ranch.
Hi Kirsten! Great to see you here!!!!
I haven’t been to a carte ranch – I breed alpacas in my spare time instead. They’re much easier to herd. I just walk to the gate I want them to go through, open it, sing out “come on, girls!” and they run straight through for me.
Shelagh,
Alpacas are so sweet! Love how the come when called. When we moved to Oregon that’s what I wanted to do…have an alpaca ranch. This was in the days I had no kids or hadn’t sold any books. But I read an article on the flight to Portland and was looking for info as soon as I could get online. How great that you do that!
Welcome! I’ve never been to a cattle ranch.
Thanks for the welcome, Chey!
Hi Melissa
Congrats on the new release!
Melissa McClone‘s Kiss Me, Cowboy is a wonderful book.
Hi Tina! Thank you so much. Very happy you enjoyed the book 🙂
Melissa, thank you for an interesting article. I’ve never been to a cattle ranch and doubt if I ever will so I lived vicariously.
Hi Rosemary! I live vicariously in many things I write about. Not a bad way to go1 But I did learn a lot at cow camp that’s for sure!
We raised cattle, but it wasn’t a ranch because we didn’t have the minimum acres. My uncle had a horse ranch.
Hi Jean! I didn’t now there was a minimum acreage requirement for a ranch. Learn something new every day! Between your cattle and your uncle’s horses I bet you got your fill of farm animals!
Hi Melissa! I loved Kiss Me Cowboy. I can’t wait to read more of your books.
I’ve always wanted to visit a dude ranch. Look alike so much fun.
Hi Runner10! Thanks so much!!!! So glad you enjoyed Zack and Charlie’s story!!! I really want to check out a real dude ranch this coming year. Fingers crossed we both get the chance!
I have never been to a ranch but would love to go would be so fun. My week has been pretty uneventful. Still have good and bad days since the passing of my oldest brother last month. Thinks are slowly getting back to a semblance of normal
Hello Beverly. I’m very sorry to read about your brother. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Today we went and had the buffet at KFC then road up a canyon to see the fall colors, we saw a 2 point buck and sit and watched the river it was a nice little outing.
Hi Bonnie! Sounds like a fun day!!! I miss KFC. Most of them closed around us.
I would love to go to a “cattle” ranch/”dude” ranch. I think it would be so much fun and very interesting. My week has been filled with “fighting” with insurance companies to get my middle son the medicine he needs for his seizure disorder…ugh.
Hi, Girlfromwva! I hope you get the chance to go! Good luck getting the meds you need for your son.
My family always vacationed at a sort of dude ranch.
We were able to horseback ride several times a day. Wonderful memories for my sister and I. Every year we had crushes on the stable boys. Too much fun. But never a cattle ranch.
Hi Rosemary! What a great story. Love the crushes on the stable boys!!! Sounds like great vacations. Thanks for sharing that with us!
i have never been to a cattle ranch
Hi Kathy P!!!
Hi Melissa! My boyfriends family owns a cattle ranch in Ekalaka MT. It was a fun experience to see how all the ranchers in the community still help each other out at branding time. I really love it there
Hi Darlene! That sounds so cool. We didn’t see any branding, but the cowboy mentioned them helping each other out during the year!!!
I would LOVE to go to a dude ranch and learn how to be a cowgirl! It would help me get over the slight phobia I have about horses. I was thrown off one when I was young-her name was Buttercup. Nice, huh? lol
Hi Bobbie. Buttercup seems like the wrong name. I’m sorry you were thrown. That happened to me in CO when I was younger. I hope you can go riding again.
I have never been to a ranch, but my family raised beef cattle on a 160 acre farm. I love the books from both of you and am especially enjoying all the ones set in Marietta!!
Hi Kelly! Growing up on a farm must have been cool! And thanks!!! I’m a big fan of Jane’s books 🙂
Great prize would love to win
Hi Chris! Good luck!!!!!
Hi Melissa, welcome to Jane’s blog. I look foward to reading your books. I would love to go to a ranch someday… maybe one with a couple of stud-muffins on it.
Hi Christina! Can I come with you? I’d love to see a couple of my guys in the flesh 🙂
Would love to win/read.
Hi Jacqueline! Good luck!
Congrats on your new release, Melissa! Honestly, you are a new for me author. Maybe this will be my chance to start reading your book?
Hi Mariska! Nice to meet you! Congrats to your kiddo. That’s always nice when they bring home good grades!
They’re all called farms in Australia – whether they’re sheep, pigs, dairy or beef cattle – and I’ve been to them all. Now in the US, I’ve been on a farm where they raise Llama’s.
Cathie – I didn’t know that about Australia. I know we call them dairy farms, but I always called anything with animals a ranch, including llamas!!!!
Never been to a ranch, but sounds like fun!
Hi Shannon!
Welcome Melissa! Love your books 🙂 I’ve never been ON a ranch, but passed many in my travels to the west. It would be a hard, but rewarding, life I’m sure.
Hi C-Jay! Thanks so much!!! Until this trip I’d only driven by too. You’re right about it being a hard life. I had no idea, though I imagined a lot of work!!!
I’ve never been but I think I’d enjoy it – how about a cat farm instead lol.
Hi catslady! Now you’re talking. A cat farm is right up my alley. My hubby already thinks we have a cat house. (I foster for a local rescue and seem to be where cats with no homes end up!)
I’ve never been to a cattle ranch, but have always wanted to. Definitely on my bucket list.
Hi Glenda!!! Definitely worth having on a bucket list 🙂
I’ve never been to a cattle ranch, a farm, but not a ranch. My week has been pretty good. I am glad the weekend is coming up though.
Hi Linda! Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!
haven’t been to one
Hi bn100. I have to admit until writing for Montana Born Books, a ranch visit was not on my list of things to do. Now I can’t wait to find another to go to!!!
Hi Melissa, I loved reading your blog! I’ve never been on a cattle ranch, just my maternal grandparents farm in Mississippi. When I was much younger, one oft favorite shows was Bonanza! I would fantasize about going to visit Pa, Little Joe, Adam and Hoss Cartwright on The Pondarosa Ranch!y twin sister Nd I would open up cans of beans and eat them out of the metal pie pans! It was silly I know, but we were just acting out our on part of the show!
Hi Merle. So happy you enjoyed the blog post! I remember Bonanza. I was little but my dad loved to watch it. That is so cute about eating the beans on metal pie plates. I love it! Very cool you got into the show so much 🙂
Hi Melissa, I have never been on a cattle ranch. I have read your book and Loved it. The whole rodeo series have been so much fun. Thanks!
Hi Shari! Thanks so much! It makes me so happy to hear you love the stories. This is a great mini-series (of course, I’m totally biased. LOL!)
no never been
Hi Gretchen. If you get the chance, go 🙂
Welcome Melissa ! I have never been to a cattle ranch but would love to visit one.
Thanks for the welcome Judy! Hope you get the chance to go 🙂
Welcome !!!! I hope you both enjoy the ranch
Hi Angie. Thanks!
I´m reading Kiss Me Cowboy right now and loving it. It´s a great story. I´m loving this new series from Marietta.
Haven´t been to a cattle ranch but my week is pretty busy, or it was supposed to be. Showing up to all my appointments, but everybody forgets to tell me that they have cancelled. Funny week for me.
Happy talk like a pirate day 🙂
And love your girls books by the way. You rock 🙂
Hi Elisabeth. So glad you are enjoying it. Still blows me away when I hear someone is reading a book of mine right now. Silly, but the truth. Very happy you like the series. It all came together very nicely and the beautiful covers were just the icing on the cake 🙂
Hi Melissa!!!! So Im pretty sure I was born in the wrong city!!! LoL!! I always had a love for horses and anything country and of coarse anything that involves a cowboy, but I have never been close to any of these things!!! =( Its on my bucket list to take a vacation to a ranch someday! (Where I will hopefully fall in love with a cowboy!) Im such a romantic! HaHa! <3
Hi Elizabeth. Nice to see you here! Love your post. You are a romantic! I hope you make it to a ranch and find a hot cowboy to love!!! I wrote about a heroine like you a long, long time ago. She was a city girl, a rich girl, too. She was fascinated by cowboys. Of course, the hero was a prince, but she preferred a cowboy. LOL!
Hey,
Welcome Melissa. No I haven’t been to an actual ranch but I love living and being in the country. I love Country style houses and I love the country life. We did have horses here but it’s was not a good experience it’s a long and bad story about betrayal by family members.
Hi Kimberly. I love country style houses. I used to subscribe to Country Home and would pour through that. I’m sorry your horse experience didn’t go well. Hugs.
Well we live on a small property breeding cattle! So married to my own cowboy! LOL
Sorry meant to say a big welcome!
Thanks for the welcome, Robyn! Lucky you, married to a cowboy! We need to add you to our research list 🙂
Thank you, everyone for helping to make Melissa McClone so welcome. I love how supportive you are of my author friends just as much as I love giving away great prizes and our winner this time is –
#33 Deb McCunney
Deb, drop me an email with your mailing info and I’ll get the package in the mail!
I’m on the last leg of my trip now and looking forward to getting back home to see my boys next week.
Hope you all have great weekend! 🙂
Jane
Congrats Deb!
Thanks Jane for having me on your blog. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Appreciate the opportunity to get to know some new peeps. Hope your trip was fabulous!!!
lived on a dairy farm till age 10 and then moved to a mixed farm- cattle and grain.
We do go to Rodeos also.
Hi Robyn! You’ve experience both farm and cattle. Cool! And rodeos, too! Another one we need to add to our research list.
When we were driving home from our trip we stopped for breakfast in the nearest town (very small.) There were signs up for the upcoming rodeo. A very big deal! Love how it’s such a community event!
No, I have never been to a cattle ranch.
Hi Kimberly! If you have any interest, go!
Welcome Melissa and best of luck with your writing. I grew up in a big city, but visited my grandparent’s farm/ranch almost every weekend. A fun place for a kid like me with a vivid imagination. I so enjoyed the cattle dogs and the house cats and standing on the wide front porch singing into the wind. I think the smell of hay is great, fresh mowed and in rows ready to be put into bales.
Jane, hope you and Ty keep on having fun!
Thanks for the welcome, Library Lady! Oh, love the memories you shared. You took me right there. Awesome!
Hi Melissa! So glad you’re here on Jane’s Blog! I’ve just been reading some of your books…Copper Mtn Christmas series, Mistletoe Magic, The Man Behind the Pinstripes and Date with the Millionaire. Haven’t gotten Kiss Me Cowboy…but I’m on it!
I have been to a farm, but not a ranch. I would love to live in the wide open spaces. Someday!!
I loved the book, Melissa. Cattle drives are a blast. I went on a cattle-drive fundraiser with a girlfriend and our horses a few years back. We camped out near the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and herded cattle on horseback for two days. I carried a pistol because it was rattlesnake country. Luckily, I didn’t have to use it.
Danita Cahill